MotoGP: RNF Racing unveils all-new livery ahead of 2023 season opener

RNF Racing has unveiled its new-look livery ahead of its maiden MotoGP season as an Aprilia satellite team.

Joining forces with crypto company CryptoDATA, the team’s Aprilia RS-GP is covered in a stunning dark green, blue, black and rose gold paint job. It’s a design which certainly separates RNF Racing from the rest of the field’s liveries.

Razlan Razali’s team raced as Yamaha’s satellite team in 2022, evolving from the Petronas-sponsors Sepang Racing Team, but struggled all season-long with Andrew Dovizioso, Darryn Binder and then Cal Crutchlow, who replaced Dovizioso when he opted to retire before the end of the season.

RNF has signed a two-year contract with Aprilia to become its first satellite team since the manufacturer’s return to MotoGP in 2015. The team will be represented by Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez this year, following their respective departures from the KTM setup.

Olivera jumps on the RS-GP after another up-and-down campaign as a factory KTM rider. During his time with the Austrian marquee, the Portuguese rider has accumulated five victories, seven podiums and one pole position.

“I really like the new livery,” Oliveira commented. “The colours are different and unique, so it’s nice to be out on track like that. I can’t wait for the first round at my home circuit representing the CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team aboard my Aprilia RS-GP!

“In 2023, I’m facing a new challenge, so I hope we can get along quite well, and we can achieve the goals that we set together during this season. The bike has a lot of potential and I’m sure that now together with the team, we can adapt everything further to my riding and start to be fast in order to be competitive.”

Meanwhile, Fernandez makes the move after an extremely difficult maiden premier class campaign. After a spectacular debut season in Moto2 put Fernandez well and truly on the map, KTM moved him, reportedly despite some pushback from the rider himself, up into MotoGP with Tech3.

Alongside 2021 Moto2 champion Remy Gardner, the duo struggled all season, with Fernandez racking up just 14 points. Gardner has not only departed KTM, but also MotoGP following his move to the World Superbike Championship with GYTR GRT Yamaha.

 

“It’s definitely different! I like it, especially the blue part, Fernandez said. “I arrived in the CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team with a completely fresh mind. Everything is new, not just the colors and I’m very happy to come here and try to enjoy myself again on the bike.

“My principal goal this year is to come back with a bright smile on my face. I’m really happy to be part of the CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team, because I think I have the best opportunities here. We have a nice bike with the Aprilia RS-GP.

“They did a great job, I’m really happy. We did a good job in Sepang and Portimao and now I’m really enthusiastic to start the season.”

The 2023 MotoGP season begins this weekend (March 24-26) at Oliveira’s home circuit, Portimao. Alongside the Grand Prix, the MotoGP riders will also contest a sprint race on Saturday afternoon – a first for the series.